This Air Fryer Pretzel Bites recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, all while using the air fryer for a quick and easy snack that your family will just adore! You can switch up the flavors and toppings to suit your taste or use this as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of those odd bits of cheese or herbs hanging around. Trust me; these bites make for the perfect weeknight dinner or game night munchies!
Ingredient Breakdown for Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Give it a good stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. This little foamy action is what you want to see, proof that your yeast is active!
Make the Dough: Add the flour and salt to the mixture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes should do the trick. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s still super sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour while kneading.
Let It Rise: Cover your dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size. This is the perfect time to catch up on a quick episode of your favorite show!
Preheat the Air Fryer: Get your air fryer ready and preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bites cook evenly and get that lovely crispy texture.
Shape the Bites: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air and divide it into small pieces, about 1-inch each. Roll them into little bite-sized balls (think golf ball size). The kids love helping with this part!
Boil the Dough: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the baking soda. The water should bubble vigorously! Add your dough balls in batches (4-5 at a time) and boil for about 30 seconds. This may seem odd, but it’s crucial for that authentic pretzel flavor. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
Egg Wash & Salt: Brush each bite with the beaten egg, making sure to cover every bit. Then, sprinkle the coarse sea salt generously over the top. Seriously, go heavy on this part for that classic pretzel flavor!
Air Fry Time: Place the bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may have to do this in batches depending on your air fryer size). Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have that glorious pretzel color!
Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces mustard, cheese dip, or even a little side of marinara! Enjoy the wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen. It’s the good stuff, y’all!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need a quick snack that’s loaded with flavor and nostalgia! I’m a real sucker for anything soft and doughy, and these pretzel bites just hit the spot every time. As a family, we love to customize them with different toppings based on what we have in the pantry. It’s always fun to experiment! And the best part is that they’re perfect for parties or just a cozy night in seriously, you’ll want to double this recipe, trust me!
If you loved this Air Fryer Pretzel Bites recipe, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Taco Bombs, my Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites, or my Air Fryer Orange Chicken!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, from dough to finish, you’ll have these pretzel bites ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something tasty and quick to satisfy those cravings!
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love these! They’re soft on the inside with a perfect chewy crust on the outside, making them a great option for family movie night or get-togethers. Kids and adults alike will gobble them up!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have on hand! Want to add cheese? Go for it! How about some herbs or spices? You can totally switch it up. You could even try adding different flavored salts on top; so many options!
Comfort Food
These bites are so comforting and loaded with tons of flavor. There’s something about the warm, chewy goodness that speaks to the heart. Plus, who doesn’t love a pretzel? It just feels like a hug in food form!
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. No need to break the bank for a snack that’s crowd-worthy. I love that!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pretzel bites warm, right out of the air fryer! They pair perfectly with mustard, cheese dip, or fresh marinara sauce. If you’re feeling really adventurous, whip up a creamy ranch dip, it’s heaven!
Storage
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for around 3-4 minutes until warm. This gives them back that little crispy edge!
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked bites. Just follow the recipe up to the boiling step, then freeze them on the parchment paper, and once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pull them out, let them sit for a bit and then continue with the recipe. You can increase the cooking time by a minute or two.
There you have it! My deliciously easy Air Fryer Pretzel Bites recipe that’ll be a hit with everyone. You can’t go wrong with this, my friend, you’ll be on your way to pretzel heaven in no time! Enjoy and happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the flour and salt to the mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic—about 5 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough, divide it into small 1-inch pieces and roll them into balls.
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the baking soda. Boil the dough balls in batches for about 30 seconds.
- Brush each bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Place the bites in the air fryer basket and cook for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.